Fox that attacked Lakewood girl had rabies

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July 30, 2013 2:56:32 PM PDT

Associated Press

LAKEWOOD, N.J. - July 30, 2013 --

Authorities say a fox that attacked a young southern New Jersey girl last weekend has tested positive for rabies.

Ocean County health officials tell the Asbury Park Press that the state Public Health Environmental and Agricultural Laboratory performed the tests on the fox and released them to county officials on Tuesday.

The four-year-old girl suffered scratches on her arm, leg and lip in Saturday's attack, which occurred at a home in Lakewood. She will receive a rabies-prevention treatment for 14 days and officials will closely monitor her condition.

The fox hid under a deck after attacking the girl and it later tried to attack police officers. An officer then shot the fox to death.